U-M
profs warned to
look out for scam artist
The U-M recently joined a list of more than 70 colleges and
universities across the country whose professors have been contacted
by a con artist purporting to be Harry Edwards, professor of
sociology at the University of California, Berkeley. Since 1995, the
man has talked university faculty members, mostly sociologists, out
of more than $200,000 by claiming that his nephew has lost his
luggage and wallet, is in the vicinity and needs money for a hotel
and clothing.

An article last month in The Chronicle of Higher Education
notes that the perpetrator sounds much like Edwards and seems to know
his research in areas of race and sport. The Chronicle also
noted that the perpetrator has now begun to use the name of William
Julius Wilson, a former victim of the scam and currently a faculty
member at Harvard University.

Capt. James Smiley, Department of Public Safety (DPS), urges
anyone contacted in this manner to report the call immediately to the
DPS detective bureau, 764-8559.

Toner
fraud reported again
Several University staff members have reported that they have been
contacted about buying toner cartridges. In at least one instance, a
fax was received that indicatoner cartridges. Those who receive calls
they think are fraudulent should contact the DPS detective bureau,
764-8559.

Oesterling
pleads no contest
Joseph E. Oesterling, professor of surgery and head of the urology
section, pled no contest in 15th District Court on June 16 to a
single count of obtaining money over $100 under false pretenses.
Oesterling was arrested by DPS officers that same day and charged
with the crime, which is a felony punishable by up to 10 years in
prison and/or a $5,000 fine.

He is accused of billing both the University and the host
institution for travel expenses. DPS, working in conjunction with
University Audits, has been investigating the alleged crime since
mid-March.

Sentencing is set for July 21.

Air
bag bandits hit Hondas
Late last month, DPS officers were notified that eight Honda Accord
automobiles, all parked in lots on North Campus, had been vandalized
and air bags had been removed. The vehicles were all 1994--96 models.
Smiley says each bag is worth between $800 and $1,000.

Staff
member charged with using
fraudulent transaction device
A female staff member was arrested May 23 and charged with obtaining
money over $100 under false pretenses. DPS officers say she falsely
claimed expenses and charged the University for travel to Washington,
D.C., during a time between Aug. 27, 1996 and Jan. 23, 1997. The
preliminary trial originally scheduled earlier has been set for June
25.